Glossary
Conceding
Admitting that a point made by the opposition is valid, often to build trust with the reader and show a nuanced understanding of the issue.
Example:
While it's true that a plant-based diet requires careful planning, its long-term health benefits are undeniable, making the effort worthwhile.
Elaboration
Using descriptive language and details to add depth, vividness, and further explanation to an argument, making it more engaging and memorable.
Example:
The old library wasn't just quiet; it was a sanctuary of hushed reverence, where the scent of aged paper and polished wood hung heavy in the air, inviting contemplation.
Generalization
Using description or a specific instance to create a broader understanding or connect to a larger concept or principle, extending the argument's relevance.
Example:
The single act of a student sharing their lunch with a new classmate can illustrate the broader principle of community and empathy within a school environment.
Qualifying
Using words that limit or specify the scope of an argument, preventing overgeneralization and increasing precision and nuance.
Example:
While often beneficial, social media can be detrimental to mental health for some individuals.
Rebutting
Arguing against an opposing point by showing why it is not as strong or relevant as it initially appears, often by presenting counter-evidence or alternative interpretations.
Example:
Although some critics claim that standardized tests accurately measure student intelligence, they often fail to account for diverse learning styles and cultural backgrounds.
Refuting
Proving an opposing point completely wrong with strong evidence and logical reasoning, effectively demolishing the counterargument.
Example:
The assertion that a flat tax system would benefit all income brackets is demonstrably false, as economic models consistently show it disproportionately burdens lower-income families.
Specificity
Choosing precise words and details to avoid ambiguity and clearly convey the intended meaning of an argument, making it more concrete and persuasive.
Example:
Instead of 'The company made a mistake,' a more specific statement would be: 'The company's negligent oversight in quality control led to a recall of 50,000 units.'
Word Choice (Diction)
The deliberate selection of words to clarify, qualify, or enhance the argument's meaning and impact, serving as a fundamental rhetorical choice.
Example:
The author's incendiary language, rather than merely strong words, revealed their intense disapproval of the policy.